Name: Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 ears of corn, husked; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup cucumber, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped; 2 tablespoons scallions, sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 67 reviews

If you are looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish to brighten up any meal, the Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing Recipe is a true winner. This salad combines tender orzo pasta with smoky grilled corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a zesty dressing bursting with fresh scallions and dill. It’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, weeknight dinners, or as a show-stopping side that brings together incredible flavors and textures in every bite. Trust me, once you try this salad, it will quickly become a favorite you want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three ears of corn with green husks sit in a row on the left side of a wooden board. In the middle are two bright yellow lemons and five small white garlic cloves. A metal measuring cup filled with uncooked orzo pasta rests at the top center, while five green onions with white bulbs are laid out vertically to the right of the lemons and garlic. On the far right side of the board, there is a jar of grilled artichoke hearts with a red lid and label. The wooden board is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each contributing something special—whether that’s a pop of color, a fresh crunch, or a bold herbal note. Here’s what you’ll gather before you get started:

Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that adds a chewy, satisfying base to the salad.
Ears of corn: Fresh corn that will bring smoky sweetness once grilled to perfection.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and slightly tart, they add vibrant color and a burst of freshness.
Cucumber: Crisp and cooling to balance the textures and add a refreshing crunch.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a subtle punch of savory flavor without overpowering.
Fresh dill: Herbaceous, bright, and aromatic—an absolute must for that classic dill touch.
Scallions: Mild onion flavor that blends beautifully into the dressing.
Olive oil: The rich base of the dressing, bringing everything together smoothly.
Red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess and depth to the dressing, enhancing all the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates every ingredient.

How to Make Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Orzo Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of salted water, then add your orzo pasta and cook it according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. Make sure not to overcook; you want it tender but still with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set it aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Preheat your grill to medium-high, letting it get nice and hot. Place the husked ears of corn directly onto the grill and turn occasionally for about 10-12 minutes. You want the corn to get lovely grill marks and a slight char, which brings out a deep, smoky sweetness that’s the soul of this salad.

Step 3: Cut the Corn Kernels Off the Cob

After the corn has cooled enough to handle, use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off the cob carefully. Discard the cobs. These juicy, smoky kernels will add a satisfying sweetness and texture to your salad.

Step 4: Prepare the Scallion Dill Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Then stir in the chopped fresh dill and sliced scallions. This dressing is where the salad truly shines—a lovely herbaceous and tangy sauce that coats everything perfectly.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled orzo, grilled corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Make sure the ingredients are evenly mixed so every bite has a bit of everything.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Pour your scallion dill dressing over the combined ingredients and toss gently to ensure every component is beautifully coated in that vibrant dressing. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if you think it needs a little more seasoning.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

For the best depth of flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just before serving, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing Recipe

Three grilled corn ears with bright yellow and white kernels, featuring dark brown and black grill marks spread unevenly across each ear, lie side by side on a dark textured tray. Around the corn, several peeled garlic cloves with a smooth, off-white surface are scattered casually. The scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle the salad with some extra fresh dill, a few scattered scallion rings, or even a handful of crumbled feta cheese if you want a salty contrast. A few lemon zest shavings can also brighten it up spectacularly and make it even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fresh fish, or even alongside hearty sandwiches and wraps. It’s also fantastic as part of a picnic spread or a potluck because it holds up well and tastes great chilled.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the salad in small hollowed-out mini pumpkins or colorful bell peppers. You can also layer it in clear glass bowls to show off all the gorgeous colors, or even spoon it into lettuce cups for bite-sized, refreshing treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any leftover salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and taste even better after a bit of resting time in the fridge.

Freezing

This particular salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled rather than frozen. Freezing may affect the texture of the orzo and vegetables, making them mushy upon thawing, so it’s not recommended.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve it warm, gently reheat the salad on the stovetop over low heat, stirring carefully, or enjoy it at room temperature for maximum freshness and texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salad soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

While fresh corn is ideal for that smoky grilled flavor, you can use thawed frozen corn as a convenient substitute – just lightly sauté or roast it to add some caramelization before mixing into the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The original recipe uses orzo, which is wheat-based and contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or a grain like quinoa that offers a similar texture.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The scallion dill dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before tossing it with the salad for the best flavor.

What’s the best way to grill corn if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

You can use a grill pan on your stove or even roast the corn under a broiler to get a nice char if outdoor grilling isn’t an option. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work wonderfully added to this salad to make it a more filling main course without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing Recipe is one of those joyful dishes that feels like summer captured in a bowl. It’s bright, fresh, and full of flavor, yet so easy to prepare. Whether you are serving it at a family dinner, a picnic, or just craving something light and satisfying, this salad will bring a smile to your face. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to salad!